Column: How contemplative Pioneer Park came to be

By Jay MarkSpecial for The RepublicFri Nov 15, 2013 10:20 AM

Public squares were an important component of the Zion town plan envisioned by Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church founder Joseph Smith. His design was used for new Mormon settlements, especially in the Southwest, including Lehi and Mesa.

Of the 36 full blocks in the Mesa city of Zion layout, two were designated for public squares.

One was between Center Street and Macdonald and between West Second and Third avenues. The other was between Center and Sirrine and between Second and Third streets.

The first never became a park. But by the late 1890s, shade trees were being planted in the area that eventually would be Rendezvous Park. By the time Mesa created a parks department in 1936, Rendezvous was already an East Valley landmark attracting people from throughout the Valley.

With a baseball field, swimming pool, skating rink, tennis courts and other amenities, Rendezvous more than satisfied the leisure needs of Mesa residents. Nearly two decades would elapse after Rendezvous Park was officially dedicated in 1938 before Mesa built its second grand park.

Where Rendezvous offered many recreational activities, the new park was more of an elegant, contemplative space. And appropriately so, as the new park was situated directly north of the city’s most important landmark — the Arizona Temple, creating an attractive view corridor to the imposing edifice.

Mesa acquired the site in 1949, leading to considerable community discussion about what to do with the nearly 18-acre piece of land. Finally, a decision was made. Because of Mesa’s unique history, a park would be created that in part would commemorate the founders of the city.

The program consisted of patriotic music events detailing the city’s history. The cornerstone Pioneer Monument was designed by Elvin White of Tempe. It was conceived as “a mural in stone, symbolizing the accomplishments achieved by the pioneers in their development of this community.”

White wanted his monument to convey the mountains and “desert wilderness conquered by (the pioneer’s) covered wagons.” The chimney and roof expressed homes and shelters. A window with permanent light represented the community’s cultural activities.

A bronze pioneer monument supplanted it in 1988. The Mesa Rose Club planted a Memorial Rose Garden in tribute to the town’s pioneers. And in April 1958, a retired Southern Pacific steam locomotive was added to the park.

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